Vashon’s Strawberry Festival Awaits!

^{photo credit Seattle Refined}

The Strawberry Festival on Vashon Island is July 19th to 21st. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a visitor to our island, the Strawberry Festival offers a perfect opportunity to experience the island’s unique charm and community spirit. 

Celebrating Community and Strawberries on Vashon Island

The Strawberry Festival on Vashon Island is more than just a weekend of festivities; it’s a cherished tradition that has been bringing the community together for decades. The origins of the festival date back to the early 1900s, when Vashon Island was known for its thriving strawberry farms. Initially conceived as a way to celebrate the strawberry harvest, the festival brought farmers, residents, and visitors together to enjoy the fruits of their labor. In its early years, the Strawberry Festival was a modest gathering featuring local produce, homemade strawberry treats, and simple games. Over time, it grew in size and popularity, evolving into the grand celebration we know today. The festival has seen many changes, from the addition of parades and live music to the inclusion of arts and crafts vendors. Despite these changes, the heart of the festival remains the same: a celebration of community, local culture, and, of course, strawberries.

To delve deeper into the rich history of Vashon’s strawberry farming make a plan to visit The Vashon Heritage Museum and  Mukai Farm & Garden.

Navigate Your Way to Festival Fun: Getting to Vashon and Parking Tips

To reach Vashon Island for the Strawberry Festival, you can walk or drive on to the ferry from either the West Seattle (Fauntleroy Terminal) or Tacoma (Point Defiance Terminal). Ferry tickets are round-trip and can be purchased as you drive up to the ferry docks. It’s advisable to plan ahead during the festival weekend, as the ferry lines can get crowded. Alternatively, you can take the pedestrian-only wa

ter taxi from Pier 50 near downtown Seattle, which has a special schedule for the festival weekend, though it does not run on Sunday. 

Note that Vashon Highway, which is the main road through town, is closed for the duration of the festival. There will be detour signs to route you around the closures so you can still get around the island. 

If you arrive by car free roadside parking is available outside festival grounds. See map of road closures at the bottom of this page. 

If you arrive by foot, bus route 118 can take you directly to the Strawberry Festival location.

Music and Parades: Vashon’s Festival Fun

The Strawberry Festival on Vashon Island offers an eclectic array of music events that cater to all tastes, spread across various vibrant venues. Here’s a snapshot of where you can catch some great tunes:

• Main Stage at Ober Park
• Snapdragon
• Mind+Set Apothecary+Restoreum
• Vashon Eagles Club

Learn more about the bands playing here.

The festival parade starts at 10:45 and is a highlight of the Strawberry Festival, showcasing the vibrant community spirit of Vashon Island. Featuring lively performances and unique displays, the parade includes the energetic Thriftway Drill Team, an impressive showcase by Vintage Vashon Tractors, and an appearance by the Vashon Fire Department, creating a moving extravaganza that embodies the island’s rich heritage and festive spirit. Make sure to arrive early to get a good spot and see the kids’ parade before the main event!

With such a diverse lineup of musical events and the colorful parade, the Strawberry Festival promises to be a feast for the senses. Make sure to explore all the venues and enjoy the unique sounds and sights each one offers!

The Strawberry Festival on Vashon Island is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a weekend of fun, food, and festivities. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a visitor, the festival offers a unique chance to experience the vibrant community spirit and charm of Vashon Island. Make sure to plan your visit, enjoy the festival activities, and stop by our booth in front of our office to play some games and win some prizes! We will also be hosting a mothers resting station, a misting station and a spot for your hot dog to get a drink of water! 

Have a great festival!